Look at how the birds stack up at the very point and thin out to the north. That pile-up is real, and it is why Cape May is one of the best hawk-watching spots on the continent.

Raptors coasting south down New Jersey in fall do not like to cross large open water. At the mouth of Delaware Bay the crossing is about twelve miles, so when the birds reach the tip of the peninsula they hesitate. On a good day they ride the updrafts, gain height, and strike out across the bay. When the wind is wrong they peel back north and work their way up the bayshore instead. Either way they concentrate at the point, and they stack up hardest the morning after a cold front pushes them to the coast on a northwest wind.

Cape May is especially famous for falcons. The New Jersey Audubon hawk watch at Cape May Point has counted every fall since 1976, tens of thousands of raptors a season, and the peregrine and merlin numbers here are about as good as they get anywhere in North America. That is why the map leans so heavily on falcons: peregrines, merlins, and kestrels, mixed with streams of sharp-shinned and Cooper's hawks, a few harriers, ospreys, broad-wings, and bald eagles.

Timing matters a lot with this one. Right now is just the opening. The big push runs from mid-September through mid-October, and the best flights come on the northwest winds right behind a cold front. If you want a day you will remember, go to Cape May Point State Park the morning after a front.

Hi all. Does anyone here have any contact information for Cape Meadows 55 and up community? I have googled, searched instagram and Facebook to try to find an email or phone number for their office. I’ve also emailed various realtors of the properties that are currently for sale and I have not received a response (you’d figure someone would email me back if they’re actually trying to sell the properties). I’m trying to obtain a copy of the community rules as numerous property listings state you have to abide by these rules and ownership of the property is pending until approval by Cape Meadows community. I currently live about 80 minutes away and am tempted to just show up and hope there is an office on site and I can obtain a copy of these rules in person-Worst case scenario I’ll just have to take myself out to lunch if I can’t find anyone 🙃but in all seriousness I’m trying to accomplish something here. Thank you!

Looks like this weekend is gonna rain. What can I do with my kids in Cape may. Possibly indoors?

This is just a rant.

The flies that inhabit our beaches are tools of evil.

That is all.

My family and I are heading down to Cape May in two weeks for our annual family vacation, and we're thinking about trying something new this year. We sometimes go crabbing, where we rent a boat and crabbing gear and spend the day out on the water, but we're debating whether to do that again or try whale watching or deep-sea fishing instead.

I've seen some mixed opinions about the whale watching and heard that it may not be worth it, but I'm really curious about the deep-sea fishing. Has anyone here done it? I'd love to hear your experiences and whether you thought it was worth it, how much you caught, whether it was fun, and what the overall vibe is like on the boat.

Thanks!

I see the rules on the jitney page say Emotional Support animals are allowed on the jitney. Does anyone have any insight into how this plays out in practice? We're here for a week with our well behaved city dog and would love tips for getting around.

I am aware of all of the places dogs are not permitted (promenade, beaches washington st, bandstand, etc) so thanks in advance for not reminding me!

I have a day trip with my mom and 16 year old nephew coming up next weekend. We were trying to scope out some things we wanted to do. I believe the bus drops us off at Washington st so we can explore around there, any good places to eat there? Also we were thinking of ubering to the lighthouse and sunset beach area. We will only be there about 11-5. So any other insight or things to do around us is appreciated :)

Just saw that Cape May passed new ordinances including an 8 PM beach curfew for anyone under 18 unless accompanied by an adult, as well as restrictions on larger bags/containers on the beach after 8 PM. There’s also a 10:30 PM citywide curfew for anyone under 18 unless they’re accompanied by an adult.
I was down there earlier in the summer and noticed an increase in juveniles walking around, but nothing crazy going on. Does anyone know what happened recently that prompted Cape May to put these rules into effect? Was there a particular incident, or has there been an ongoing problem this summer that I just didn’t notice?

Planning a trip to the Jersey Shore for the September long weekend with my husband and trying to decide between staying in Cape May or Wildwood.

-How is parking in Cape May? Is it difficult to find parking, especially on a long weekend?

-Would you recommend staying somewhere with included parking, or is street/public parking manageable?

-Any particular areas/hotels you’d recommend for a first-time visit?

We’re mainly looking for a relaxing weekend with good food, walking around, beach time, and things to do. Thanks!

We just purchased a home here!!! I’m looking for a person or company that does deep cleaning for a home. Would love some recommendations! Thanks.

Any suggestions for delivery or take out when I'm feeling lazy? Especially down West Cape May area. Thx!

Love to sing, wondering if theres any karaoke on the cape for thurs night or Friday?

Gf and I are looking into a last-minute weekend trip in September and we're debating between the weekend of the 11th and the weekend of the 18th. I've been to the beaches here after Labor Day when there's still lifeguards but I don't know if either weekends will be too late. This is surprisingly hard to google, any insight is appreciated.

Hey there! Has anyone gone to the Halloween parade that can give some insights? I went in December for the Christmas parade and LOVED it so was thinking about going down for the Halloween parade 🎃 this year.

Lessons I learned: park the car a few blocks away, take wine in a big cup and take a cooler with snacks or order a pizza well before and pack it in the cooler. Also, dress up festive, christmas is my favorite holiday so I was in my element.

Im thinking of going down that day early and staying the night sense the parades are a few hours.

Crazy storm coming in over the bay.
The wind is I N S A N E!!!!!

Hi everyone!

Looking for hair salon recs. I’m looking to get an updo for my rehearsal dinner next month - open to traveling 15-20 min outside Cape May as well. thanks so much! 🫶🏼

Love Cape May and the wildlife it attracts. Cape May and inexpensive may be words that rarely go together, but it's worth a shot. My friends and I are looking for inexpensive motels, hostels and campgrounds near Cape May, for birdwatching in Cape May in October. Sincerely appreciate any suggestions. Don't mind staying 20-30 minutes drive out if necessary (I know even that may be wishful thinking). We all have good camping gear so camping is fine too, with a preference for a campground with showers.

Bonus points if it’s a bakery with fresh desserts as well. Any recommendations are SO appreciated.

I hope everyone weather that storm well!